Ecmweb 13635 5 4 17wwhlarge 0
Ecmweb 13635 5 4 17wwhlarge 0
Ecmweb 13635 5 4 17wwhlarge 0
Ecmweb 13635 5 4 17wwhlarge 0
Ecmweb 13635 5 4 17wwhlarge 0

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Look out Below!

May 4, 2017
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Look out below!

Find the Answer

Oh boy! Sparks could fly like it was the 4th of July if that truck parked a little closer to the building. It could have easily made contact with the overhead service conductors, which are installed way too low. The bottom of the drip loop is probably only 7 ft above the ground.

Section 230.24(B)(1) requires a minimum clearance of at least 10 ft from grade to the lowest point of the drip loop. In streets, alleys, roads, and parking areas subject to truck traffic, Sec. 230.24(B)(4) requires a clearance of at least 18 ft. This area is obviously subjected to truck traffic.

There seems to be plenty of room on the side of the building for the installer to have run the pipe to a higher spot on the exterior wall in order to get the required clearances from grade, but, for some reason, he decided to take this shortcut. This shortcut now leaves these wires in danger of being ripped off the building by a passing vehicle.

Imagine what could have happened if the ladder racks on this truck got caught on the service wires when the truck’s driver decided to drive away. Kaboom!

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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